Coaster for shielding against crawling arthropods

ABSTRACT

A holder for isolating an article from a surface is comprised of a receiving member for retaining an article in a position removed from a surface. A crawling arthropod-deterring component is applied at least adjacent to lower periphery of the receiving member. A base situated below the receiving member supports and stabilizes the receiving member and distributes a load applied by the retained article.

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/203,202, filed May 11, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is directed to pest management and moreparticularly to controlling a route of travel of crawling vermin,particularly crawling arthropods (including crawling insects) byinterrupting their route of travel.

[0003] The present invention provides a safe, ecological approach tocontrolling arthropods. It promotes environmentally-sound methods thatemploy point source (e.g., point of entry) physical and biologicalcontrols versus sole reliance on atomizing, spraying, and broadcastingof chemicals to keep crawling pest populations at tolerable levels. Theinvention also avoids the mess and toxic exposure associated with priorart pest management apparatus, systems and methods. It also satisfiesthe U.S. Government's mandate of a 50% reduction in the use of sprayedand broadcasted chemicals by the year 2000.

[0004] Crawling insect arthropods can cause serious damage in a varietyof different environments. For example, crawling arthropods can biteand/or cause the spread of disease among humans and animals. The pestscan also crawl into enclosed spaces where they congregate, nest, andexcrete fecal matter, all of which can clog and disrupt the efficientoperation of equipment. For example, arthropods can invade and clogvirtually any type of conduit as well as telephone junction boxes,electrical boxes, or any enclosed space. Furthermore, crawlingarthropods, such as ants, are a problem in that they crawl to invadeunenclosed areas where they are unwanted, in or out of doors. Some ofthe arthropods spread disease while others bite or sting humans andanimals. There is a need to prevent ants and other crawling arthropodsfrom progressing in their route of travel to spaces or areas where theyare unwanted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided anovel barrier against arthropods or other vermin from crawling unto anobject.

[0006] In accordance with a more limited aspect of the invention, aholder for isolating an article from a surface is comprised of areceiving member for retaining an article in a position removed from asurface. A crawling arthropod deterring component is applied at leastadjacent a lower periphery of the receiving member. A base, situatedbelow the receiving member, supports and stabilizes the receiving memberand distributes a load applied by the retained article.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a holder forisolating an article from a surface is comprised of a receiving memberthat is adapted for retaining an article in a position removed from asurface. The receiving member includes a facade that defines an openingtherethrough. An axial connector extends down from the opening definedin the receiving member facade and terminates in a base. The basesupports and stabilizes the receiving member. An arthropod deterringcomponent is applied to or on an underside of the facade for impeding aroute of travel of crawling arthropods. A separately removable adapterwhich has a plug portion is adapted for engaging receipt within theaxial connector.

[0008] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there isa method for impeding a route of travel of crawling arthropods. Anarthropod deterring component is applied to a receiving member supportedby a base. The arthropod deterring component is shielded fromenvironment factors. An object that is to be protected from crawlingarthropods is supported by the receiving member. Crawling arthropods aredeterred from progressing to the object because the arthropod deterringcomponent is placed in their route of travel to the object.

[0009] A principal advantage the invention is that by appropriateplacement of the device, one is able to interrupt the route of travel ofcrawling arthropods so that they are unable to travel into areas or ontosurfaces where they are unwanted.

[0010] Another advantage of the invention is that only a minimum amountof arthropod deterring ingredient is required. Preferably, the arthropoddeterring ingredient is impregnated into an expandable soft polymericmaterial which is applied to the underside of the receiving member.

[0011] Yet another advantage of the invention resides in the versatilityof the device. The device can be used in a variety of situations and toprotect a wide variety of objects from arthropod infestation. Variousadapters can be used to accommodate differently shaped objects orarticles.

[0012] Yet another advantage of the present invention is its ability todeter crawling arthropods and impede their route of travel. The deviceis portable and can be moved from place to place without destroying orinterrupting the effect of the active ingredient.

[0013] The barrier of the present invention is long lasting and providesan economical alternative to prior art methods for controlling crawlingarthropods in specific areas at point source. It can be used to preventarthropods from crawling onto cots, bed frames, barbecue grills,incubators, food preparation tables, pellets, picnic tables, outdoorfurniture, laboratory storage or rearing racks, banquet tables, playpens, cribs and nursery room furniture, pet food bowls, and a multitudeof other objects. It can also be used in recreation vehicle and campingapplications, for military applications as well as hospital andhealthcare applications. The provision of an adapter that conforms to anobject to be protected from crawling arthropods enables the base of thesubject invention to be applicable to any number of environments. Thedevice can be used in other situations not mentioned here.

[0014] Still other advantages and benefits of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding ofthe following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The invention may take physical form in certain parts andarrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment which will be described indetail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawingwhich form a part hereof.

[0016]FIG. 1 sets forth an exploded side perspective view of a coasterfor shielding against crawling arthropods;

[0017]FIG. 2 depicts an exploded cross-sectional side view of a coasterfor shielding against crawling arthropods;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a coaster for shieldingagainst crawling arthropods;

[0019]FIG. 4 shows the cross-sectional view displayed in FIG. 3, with aside cross-sectional view of an adapter inserted therein;

[0020]FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a pet food bowl adapter andpet food bowl;

[0021]FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a caster adapter;

[0022]FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a shallow leg adapter;

[0023]FIGS. 8a-8 c show an alternative embodiment coaster device:

[0024]FIG. 8a shows a coaster in closed shipping formation;

[0025]FIG. 8b shows the device as it is being opened;

[0026]FIG. 8c shows a fully opened coaster device;

[0027]FIG. 9 depicts an exploded view of a locking coaster arrangement;

[0028]FIGS. 10a-10 c show the alternative embodiment coaster of FIG. 9:

[0029]FIG. 10a shows the coaster in its closed shipping arrangement;

[0030]FIG. 10b shows the coaster of FIG. 10a in its partially openedarrangement; and

[0031]FIG. 10c shows the coaster of FIGS. 10a and 10 b in its fullyopened and locked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0032] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showing are forpurposes of illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention onlyand not for purposes of limiting same, the FIGURES show a coaster deviceused for shielding against crawling arthropods. The coaster interrupts aroute of travel of the crawling pests by deterring their progress. Anarthropod deterring component of the coaster device provides the primaryimpediment.

[0033] Directing attention first to FIG. 1, a coaster 10 for shieldingagainst crawling arthropods is presented. The coaster is comprised of areceiving member 12 and the base member 14. The receiving membercomprises a generally flat facade 16 which defines an axial opening 18therethrough. The axial opening extends into an axial connector 20. Thebase 14 is comprised of a stabilizing portion 22, along with an axialconnector 24 extending upward therefrom. The axial connector 24 isdesigned to telescopically receive the first axial connector 20 thatextends from the receiving member In the alternative, although notshown, it is equally foreseeable that the first axial connector 20 bewider than the second axial connector 24, such that the upper connectoris received over the lower axial connector.

[0034] There is no required shape for the connector. Although in FIG. 1the apparatus is shown to be circular in cross-sectional configurationand cylindrical in overall shape, this is merely shown as a preferredexample. The shape of the coaster, coupled with the shape of the opening18 and the axial connector, may vary depending upon the eventualenvironment where the connector will be utilized. Typically, the shapeor configuration of the first axial connector 20 will be such that itreadily mates with the shape of the second axial connector 24. There isno limit to the shape of the connectors. They can be square, round,oval, oblong, oblique, curved, or of virtually any configuration thatsuitably enables the two connectors to mate.

[0035] With attention still on FIG. 1, an object to be protected fromcrawling arthropods is shown in phantom at 26. For example, item 26 maybe a table leg which is inserted into the opening 18 and supported bybase member 14, with stabilizing member 22.

[0036] Turning now to FIG. 2, an exploded cross-sectional view of thereceiving member and base member is shown. As will noted, axialconnector 20 is hollow. This enables the receipt of an object thereinthrough opening 18 located at an upper end thereof. Although not shownwith a bottom wall, it is fully foreseeable that a lower portion of theaxial connector 20 could have a wall or floor positioned therein. Inaccordance with the open-bottom connector 20 shown in FIG. 2, it objectsreceived therein, if they do not rest on facade 16, are intended to reston stabilizer 22.

[0037] A rim or shield 28 extends downward along a periphery of thereceiving member. Rim 28 is useful in shielding an arthropod deterringcomponent 30 applied along a lower surface of the receiving member,beneath the facade 16.

[0038] As will be noted, the stabilizing portion 22 of base member 14 iscontinuous and solid while the second axial connector 24 extendingupwardly therefrom is open and hollow so that it can receive the firstaxial connector 20 therein. Hence, an object received through opening18, if configured such that it does not rest on facade 16, can rest onthe stabilizing portion 22.

[0039] Turning now to FIG. 3 there is shown a cross-sectional view of acoaster device or assembly in its operative form. The receiving member12 is engagingly received by the base member 14. The first axialconnector 20 is received by the second axial connector 24 in an engagingrelation. When an object or adapter is received through opening 18, thestabilizing portion 22 distributes the weight and offers stability tothe coaster device. The arthropod deterring component 30 is shown to becontinuous in an exposed region of the underside of the receivingmember. It is not necessary that it be continuous as it is foreseeablethat it can be short of or slightly removed from the axial connector 24and/or rim 28. The arthropod deterring component creates a vapor head inthe space or region 34 defined by rim 28, axial connector 24, and theunderside of facade 16.

[0040] The coaster serves to remove a protected object from a floor ortable or other surface 32 upon which it rests. An arthropod crawlingalong surface 32, in order to reach an object 26 to be inserted incoaster 10 would first have to crawl along the stabilizing 22 up andouter wall of the second axial connector 24 and then along the vermindeterring component 30. The crawling arthropod will be deterred fromreaching object 26 either by direct connect with the arthropod deterringcomponent 30 or by the vapor head created in region 34.

[0041] Preferably, the arthropod deterring component is comprised of asoft, pliable polymer having a crawling arthropod deterring ingredientmolded therein. Of course any suitable pliable material can be used.Preferably, a ring or circle of polymer molded with the deterringingredient placed within the receiving member and is held in place byadhesive, fasteners or other means or simply by friction fit. Thepreferred arthropod deterring component molded in the polymer ispermethrin, although any other deterring component or pesticide can beused. Alternatively, or in addition, it is foreseeable that theunderside of facade 16 be coated with a substance such as petroleumjelly, or with a slippery surface such as Teflon®. Sticky or slipperysurfaces provide deterring capabilities for crawling pests and can beused alone or in conjunction with permethrin or other pesticides.

[0042] An insecticide, pesticide, repellent or other arthropod-deterringingredient is molded directly in the pliable polymer material to providea constant time release emission of vapor from the ingredient. The levelof pesticide, insecticide, repellent or other arthropod-deterringingredient contained in the polymer is sufficiently low and there is nomore than minimal contact with human skin during installation, removal,adjustments or the like. However, there is sufficient amount ofinsecticide within the material to cause an instantaneous repelling oreven destruction of the crawling arthropod with which it comes intocontact. A vapor head produced by the active material is significantenough to deter or repel many crawling arthropods.

[0043] The arthropod deterring component can be simply coated to theunderside of facade 16 via an impregnated polymer. It can also beapplied within a cartridge or it can be painted or coated on theunderside of the facade.

[0044] Rim 28 serves to shield the arthropod deterring component fromthe environment. It also serves to reduce, if not eliminate, possiblehuman or pet contact with the active ingredient. Furthermore, itprevents the ingredient or component from being washed away in rain ordried from direct sunlight.

[0045]FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a coaster with receivingmember 12 and base member 14 engaged together as shown in FIG. 3,however, a pallet adapter 36 is shown inserted in through opening 18 offirst axial connector 20. Pallet adapter plug 38 is shown inserted intoan opening defined by the first axial connector 20. The plug member isengagingly received by said axial connector. There is no limitation asto the shape of plug and adapter. Preferably, the plug and adapter areof compatible configurations so that they can be suitably engaged. Apallet adapter retaining member 40 rests on the facade 16 of thereceiving member. The retaining member is preferably a solid orcontinuous surface which can hold a pallet thereon. The pallet adapteris designed to hold a pallet load or other object, such as a box.Multiple coasters with pallet adapters in place can be used to support aweight of a pallet load. The combination of the receiving member baseand the pallet adapter removes a pallet or box from a floor, ground, orother surface and protects the pallet load from crawling arthropodinfestation.

[0046] Alternative adapters are shown in FIGS. 5-7.

[0047]FIG. 5 shows a pet food bowl adapter 42. The adapter has a petfood bowl adapter plug 43, which is adapted to be inserted into theaxial opening 18 and into the first axial connector 20. A shape of theplug should conform to the configuration of the axial opening and axialconnector. Although shown in circular format, the configuration could bealtered to virtually any format. A plurality of fingers 44 together forma pet food bowl adapter retaining member. The fingers are configured tohold a pet food bowl 46. The fingers 44 may be rigidly pliable, such asa wire configuration so that they can be adjusted to conform to theshape of a pet food bowl. Or they can be formed from a variety of othermaterials that will hold a pet food bowl in place.

[0048] A caster adapter 48 is shown in FIG. 6. As with the otheradapters, a caster adapter plug 50 is shown. The plug is adapted to bereceived through axial opening 18 defined in the receiving member 12. Acaster adapter retaining member is shown at item 52 and such retainingmember defines an opening therein 54 configured to receive a caster. Acaster adapter is useful for backyard barbecue grills, garbage cantrolleys, wheel barrels, or any device that rolls on casters or wheels.

[0049] Finally, FIG. 7 shows a shallow leg adapter 56, which includes ashallow adapter plug 58 and a shallow adapter retaining member 60. Theshallow leg adapter defines an opening 62 which is relatively shallow ascompared to the coaster of FIGS. 1-4 where no adapter is shown. Theshallow leg adapter is particularly useful for front legs of carts thathave just two wheels, wherein the wheels are protected using the casteradapter.

[0050]FIGS. 8a-8 c show an alternative embodiment of the coaster. Hereit is shown that the receiving member 70 and base member 72 are showninitially in a closed position of FIG. 8a. This is the format in whichthe coaster device can be packaged and/or shipped. By having thereceiving member closed to the base member, the shelf life of theproduct is improved. The arthropod deterring component is not exposed tothe air and therefor increases its shelf life.

[0051]FIG. 8b shows the unit of FIG. 8a in a partially opened position.Threads on an axial connector allow the elements to twist apart fromeach other, raising the receiving member away from the base.

[0052] Finally, FIG. 8c shows the receiving member and base membercomponents in a fully open position. The embodiment of FIG. 8a, 8 b, and8 c enables the adjustment in size and height of the coaster to serveparticular needs.

[0053]FIG. 9 shows yet another alternative embodiment of the coaster.Here, receiving member 80 is shown wherein grooves 82 are defined infirst axial connector 84. Mating knobs 86 are situated along a loweraxial connector. The grooves 82 are “L” shaped and adapted to receivemating knobs 84. The vertical arm 88 of the grooves provides for thevertical motion of the receiving member with respect to the base member.When the mating knobs reaches the horizontal arm 90 of the grooves, thereceiving member and base member are turned in opposing directions suchthat the knobs lock into The horizontal section, preventing relativevertical motion between the receiving member and base member.

[0054] The device of FIG. 9 is shown in its fully closed packaging orshipping position in FIG. 10a. As shown in FIG. 10b, the receivingmember 80 is raised straight up, such that the notches or knobs 86remain in the vertical portion 88 of the grooves. As shown in FIG. 10c,the upper receiving member is twisted to lock the retaining member in anopen position apart from the base. The knobs 86 are situated in thehorizontal section of the grooves. Grip members 92, 94 can be used toaid in the twisting motion.

[0055] The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon reading and understanding of this specification. It isintended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far asthey come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalentthereof.

In the claims:
 1. A holder for isolating an article from a surface,comprising: a receiving member for retaining an article in a positionremoved from a surface; a crawling arthropod deterring component appliedat least adjacent a lower periphery of the receiving member; and a basesituated below the receiving member for supporting and stabilizing saidreceiving member and distributing a load applied by the retainedarticle.
 2. The holder of claim I wherein the receiving member comprisesa generally flat facade for supporting an article.
 3. The holder ofclaim 2 wherein the generally flat facade defines an axial openingextending therethrough into an axial connector which extends to thebase, the opening adapted for engaging receipt of a portion of anarticle therein.
 4. The holder of claim 3 wherein the article engaginglyreceived by the receiving member is an adapter having a plug portionwhich is engagingly received by the opening defined in the receivingmember, and an upper retaining member for effecting operativecompatibility with an object to be protected from crawling arthropods.5. The holder of claim I wherein the crawling arthropod deterringcomponent is applied along an underside of the receiving member in acontinuous arrangement situated between an axial opening defined throughthe receiving member and adjacent a periphery of the underside.
 6. Theholder of claim 5 wherein the crawling arthropod deterring component iscontained in a cartridge applied to the underside of the receivingmember.
 7. The holder of claim 5 wherein the crawling arthropoddeterring component is molded into a polymer that is applied to theunderside of the receiving member.
 8. The holder of claim 5 wherein thecrawling arthropod deterring component is applied via coating theunderside of the receiving member with a solution that includes acrawling arthropod deterring component.
 9. The holder of claim 5 whereinthe receiving member further includes a shield for protecting thecrawling arthropod deterring component from environmental factors. 10.The holder of claim 1 wherein the base includes a stabilizing portionwith a first axial connector portion extending therefrom and adapted fortelescoping receipt of a second axial connector extending downward fromthe receiving member.
 11. The holder of claim 10 wherein the secondaxial connector portion extends downward from an opening defined throughthe receiving member and is adapted for engaging receipt of a plugportion of an article received through said opening.
 12. The holder ofclaim 10 wherein the receiving member is separately removable from thebase member.
 13. The holder of claim 10 wherein the receiving member isintegral with the base member.
 14. A holder for isolating an articlefrom a surface, comprising: a receiving member adapted for retaining anarticle in a position removed from a surface, the receiving membercomprising a facade defining an opening therethrough; an axial connectorextending down from the opening defined in the receiving member facadeand terminating in a base for supporting and stabilizing said receivingmember; application of an arthropod deterring component on an undersideof the facade for impeding a route of travel of crawling arthropods; anda separately removable adapter having a plug portion adapted forengaging receipt within the axial connector.
 15. The holder of claim 14wherein the facade comprises a generally flat surface for supporting anarticle thereon.
 16. The holder of claim 14 wherein the adapter includesan upper retaining member for effecting operative compatibility with anobject to be protected from crawling arthropods.
 17. The holder of claim14 wherein the arthropod deterring component is applied along anunderside of the receiving member in a continuous arrangement situatedbetween and axis opening defined through the receiving member andadjacent a periphery of the underside.
 18. The holder of claim 17wherein the arthropod deterring component is contained in a cartridgeapplied to the underside of the receiving member.
 19. The holder ofclaim 17 wherein the arthropod deterring component is molded into apolymer that is applied to the underside of the receiving member. 20.The holder of clam 17 wherein the arthropod deterring componentcomprises a coating solution that is applied to the underside of thereceiving member.
 21. The holder of claim 14 wherein the receivingmember further includes a shield for protecting the arthropod deterringcomponent from environmental factors.
 22. The holder of claim 14 whereinthe base includes a stabilizing portion with a first axial connectorportion extending therefrom and adapted for telescoping receipt of asecond axial connector extending downward from the receiving member. 23.The holder of claim 22 wherein the second axial connector portionextends downward from an opening defined through the receiving memberand is adapted for engaging receipt of a plug portion of an articlereceived through said opening
 24. The holder of claim 22 wherein thereceiving member is separately removable from the base member.
 25. Theholder of claim 14 wherein the receiving member is integral with thebase.
 26. A method for impeding a route of travel of crawlingarthropods, comprising the steps of: applying an arthropod deterringcomponent to a receiving member supported by a base; shielding thearthropod deterring component from environmental factors; supporting anobject to be protected from crawling arthropods with the receivingmember; deterring crawling arthropods from progressing to the object byplacing the arthropod deterring component in their route of travel tothe object.
 27. The method of claim 26 wherein the step of applyingincludes the step of inserting a polymer molded with an arthropoddeterring component along a lower surface of the receiving member. 28.The method of claim 26 wherein the step of applying includes the step ofcoating the lower surface of the receiving member with an arthropoddeterring component.
 29. The method of claim 26 wherein the step ofapplying includes the step of inserting a cartridge beneath a lowersurface of the receiving member.
 30. The method of claim 26 wherein thestep of supporting includes the step of engagingly receiving an adapterin a recess defined by the receiving member.
 31. The method of claim 30further including the step of maintaining the object to be protected onan upper retaining portion of the adapter operatively compatibletherewith.